Debat Europees Economisch en Sociaal Comité met vice-premier Vondra: 'Europa zonder grenzen' (en)

15 January 2009

On 15 January 2009, Alexandr Vondra, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic, presented the priorities of the Czech EU Presidency to the EESC, namely economic policies, energy policy and the European Union in the world. EESC President Mario Sepi promised the Committee's full support and made a strong statement in favour of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

EESC President Mario Sepi assured the Czech Presidency of the EESC's full support. Taking up the Presidency's motto of a 'Europe without Barriers’, he stressed "the importance of removing social and cultural barriers such as discrimination, if necessary through legal instruments. Your presidency has come at a crucial moment for Europe, since it has to deal with the financial crisis, the Russia-Ukraine gas dispute and the attacks on Gaza. This situation should be reason enough to ratify the Lisbon Treaty as soon as possible."

In his speech, Alexandr Vondra explained the Presidency's vision of "a Europe without internal economic and cultural barriers for individuals, entrepreneurs and economic entities". Remaining obstacles between EU Member States should be removed, in particular regarding the internal market. The main priorities can be summed up as “the 3 E’s”: Economy, Energy and External Relations: a competitive and open Europe, sustainable and secure energy and a secure and free Europe as a Global Partner.

Regarding the economy, the key task will be to implement the policies proposed by the European Recovery Plan, increasing competitiveness as the best protection against the crushing effects of the crisis. Concerning energy and the current gas crisis, the minister described the Presidency's aim to "create long-term measures that will ensure more transparency in the gas flows, better energy infrastructure interconnections and a revision of the Security of Gas Supply Directive."

Related to this, the Committee adopted an opinion on the "External Dimension of the EU's Energy Policy" by rapporteur Ulla Sirkeinen (Group I, Employers, Finland), in which the EESC proposes two pillars for an external energy policy of the EU: securing the EU's supply of energy, and an active and responsible energy and climate policy.

Concluding his speech, Mr Vondra thanked the EESC "for assisting the Czech Presidency and preparing explanatory opinions on several topics linked to our priorities: legislatives barriers impact on EU competitiveness, protection of public health, research and development as a support of competitiveness and partnership between educational institutions and employers",

During the debate, Staffan Nilsson, President of the Various Interests Group, stressed the need to develop a permanent dialogue with civil society via the support of the EESC. Marius Opran (Group I, Employers, Romania) stated that the citizens are the first victims of the current gas situation and stressed the importance of avoiding bilateral agreements in order to create an integrated European strategy. Metka Roksandic (Group II, Employees, Slovenia) pointed out the importance of social issues like the working time directive, horizontal support for families and more female workers.